Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed
The Québec Triennial

Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed

Putting the exhibition together was quite a marathon. After an initial, exploratory phase, the curators drew up an exhaustive list of artists, covering all disciplines and generations. Then, over the summer and fall of 2007, they followed up with visits to studios and exhibitions, and numerous meetings as they refined their search for formally and thematically innovative practices that showed a high degree of mastery. Out of this process, 38 artists and artists collectives were selected. The showcased works all reflect an openness to the present in their approach to fundamental issues. They also attest to the vibrancy of Québec art, as well as its diversity and relevance.

Only when it came down to the final selection was the title chosen, inspired by the nature of the works included and Lavoisier’s famous maxim: “Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed,” which was in turn borrowed from Greek philosopher Anaxagoras of Clazomenae.

Musée curators Josée Bélisle, Pierre Landry and Mark Lanctôt, and Chief Curator Paulette Gagnon organized the exhibition, while their colleague Lesley Johnstone acted as project coordinator.

A wide-ranging program of activities is planned around the event, to be held every three years (see the attached In connection with the exhibition).

The Musée d'art contemporain is a provincially owned corporation funded by the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition fémininedu Québec. It receives additional funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts, as well as from Lichen Communications.

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Source and information                                               
Danielle Legentil                                                           
Public Relations Coordinator                                               
Tel.: (514) 847-6232                                                           
E-mail: danielle.legentil@macm.org                                   
                                                                       

Gwenaël Bélanger, L’Hameçon
Patrick Bernatchez, Pluton
Louis-Philippe Eno, Sans titre
Charles Guilbert and Serge Murphy, Une flamme dans l’univers
Bettina Hoffmann, Effleurer
Manon Labrecque, Contagion
Lynne Marsh, One-Minute Camera Opera
Tricia Middleton, Déclins
Yannick Pouliot, Je te veux
Chih-Chien Wang, Broth 01

Catalogue

On the occasion of its inaugural Triennial, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal is launching a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated, 216-page catalogue entitled Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed. The Québec Triennial 2008, published in both French and English-language editions. In the first part, the show’s curators offer their insights in four essays: Pierre Landry, “Things and Their Opposites”; Josée Bélisle, “The Night Watch”; Paulette Gagnon, “Distress and Re-enchantment”; and Mark Lanctôt,  “Happy Trails.” The second part focuses on the participating artists, who have each written personal introductions to their works, accompanied by numerous reproductions. The following section is devoted to the artists who produced the video spot artworks broadcast throughout the summer over the airwaves of Télé-Québec and screened at the Triennial. The catalogue also contains a biobibliography and a list of works. It may be purchased for $39.95 at the museum’s Olivieri Bookstore or from your local bookseller.

New magazine

The Musée is taking this opportunity to launch the Magazine of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal—a new name, and a new look, for the former Journal. The current issue covers The Québec Triennial with a feature article by Chief Curator Paulette Gagnon, a piece on the Music Video program by Louise Simard, who is in charge of our multimedia events, and an article by editor Chantal Charbonneau on the museum’s collaboration with Télé-Québec in producing the video spots.

Music Video

 The third edition of Music Video ties in with the Triennial and will raise the profile of our local multimedia talent with its spotlight on productions emanating from the Montréal scene. Part of the ongoing Projections series, Music Video is dedicated to the art of the video clip, and to the video creators who have reinvented the art of filmmaking and expanded the scope of the visual arts. From July 9 to September 28, 2008.

WWKARMY performance

 To wrap up the Triennial, WWKA (Women with Kitchen Appliances), a collective established in 1999, is presenting a playful, highly original performance on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Like a WWKA army, the artists will do battle with small household appliances—hand mixers, blenders, food processors—in a performance rich with humour, sensitivity and intelligence. Multimedia event organizer Louise Simard is coordinating the performance.

Meet the artists

Every Wednesday evening in June, the public can meet the artists in the exhibition galleries at 6 p.m. David Armstrong Six, Anthony Burnham, Manon De Pauw, Stéphane Gilot, Adad Hannah, Bettina Hoffmann, Jon Knowles, Michael Merrill, Tricia Middleton, Jonathan Plante, Simon Rivest, Karen Tam, Chih-Chien Wang and Etienne Zack will take turns, on June 4, 11, 18 and 25. In French and English.

Reading room

 The Eaton Lounge, across from the Media Centre on the second floor, will serve as a reading room throughout the exhibition. To explore the subject of current art events around the world and situate The Québec Triennial within a broader context, the Media Centre has set up an interactive terminal where visitors can consult more than 100 official sites of the leading international events. As well, a selection of catalogues is provided highlighting the participation of Québec and Canadian artists abroad and recurring Québec events.

Activity kit

An activity kit has been designed to accompany a visit to The Québec Triennial. It is intended for all adults who wish to share a discovery of contemporary art with children age 6 to 10. Through a selection of eight works of painting, sculpture and installation, visitors of all ages will observe, ask questions and carry out a variety of activities that make learning fun. Free, on loan from the ticket counter. In French and English.

Art workshops and tours

A new art workshop for children age 6 and over, called All Taped Up, is inspired by artist Jonathan Plante’s 2008 work Instantané. In this sculptural activity, participants will discover and play with the many creative possibilities offered by clear packing tape. They will use this novel technique to invent all kinds of shapes and objects making the most of the effects of transparency. For all, with family or friends, Sunday, May 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. continuously, and June 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Free with admission ticket and for children under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult).

As part of our Creative Tuesdays for adults, the workshop A Creative Challenge will experiment with mixing different media, techniques and materials—an approach seen in The Québec Triennial. Tuesday, May 27, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Cost: $10. Registration: (514) 847- 6266.

Guided tours of the exhibition are offered on Wednesday evenings at 6, 7 and 7:30 p.m. in French and 6:30 p.m. in English, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 3 p.m., in French and English.

Montréal Museums Day

Sunday, May 25 is the date of the twenty-second edition of Montréal Museums Day, centring on the theme Change Your World. To kick off the summer cultural season in Montréal, the city’s museums open their doors free of charge all day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year the MAC invites the public to the grand premiere of The Québec Triennial. As one visitor recently commented, and we’re convinced you’ll agree: “Artists can change the world.”

Summer hours

 Starting Tuesday, June 24, and continuing right through to Sunday, September 7, the Musée will be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays until 9 p.m.